More to Tell
 
“This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21.24, 25
 
As I write this, I am thinking of our Wednesday evening spaghetti dinner, which is followed by our Bible study time. A couple of our new members are preparing the meal – a nice offering of their time and a blessing that we can all enjoy together. Not only do we feed our adult crowd, but also feed between 30 and 40 young people – many who would otherwise not have a good meal.
 
When considering what we do in and around the church – or, even out in the community – our work pales when compared to what our Savior did for us at great cost to Him.
 
Think for a moment of someone who is considered great. Most of the names that come to my mind are known for greatness in a single endeavor. Michael Jordan is known for his mastery of athletics – particularly basketball. Wolfgang Mozart is known for his unique style in music and the fact that he was a childhood prodigy. Buzz Aldren is known for his aviation prowess – a talent that literally took him to the moon.
 
John, the beloved disciple, had spent years following and participating in the ministry with Jesus. He had experienced the power of the Almighty as it flowed through him making him a fit vessel for the Master’s use. However, whatever John and the other apostles did was only a smidgen compared to the Master Himself.
 
About a year and a half ago, we began a study on the Life of Christ in our Wednesday evening Bible study time. Tonight (September 18, 2024) we will enjoy our 63rd study on that subject – that’s about fifty hours of study. The topic for tonight is “He Is Alive!” but that has been the topic for a couple of weeks now. While we have merely scratched the surface of His life on earth and His life prior to His birth (John 1.1-5; Hebrews 10.5), we look forward to the study of His present ministry and future reign. (Luke 1.32)
 
It seems that John was contemplating the greatness of Jesus and found himself lost for words – at least he was at a loss for materials upon which to record all of the things that made Jesus great. Jesus was not great because of what He did – He was great because of whom He is.
 
Whenever the disciples began to think themselves to be important, Jesus reminded them that greatness is found neither through self-exaltation nor in personal accomplishments, but rather in our submission to the will of God.
 
As for me, I’ll continue to study the Life of Christ realizing that there was so much more about Him that only eternity will reveal. However, along with Paul, I pray that I may: “… be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Philippians 3.9, 10)
 
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